Bark Filter vs PSA1000
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Bark Filter
This audio effect processor mimics the human ear's critical band filtering and compression. It offers a multi-band compressor with up to 27 bands for precise audio manipulation and analysis.
- Multi-band dynamic range compressor (up to 27 bands)
- Variable number of compressor bands
- Threshold, Ratio, Attack, Release, Makeup Gain controls
- Linear phase precision filters
- Real-time spectrum analyzer
- AudioUnit (AUv3), Inter-app audio, and Audiobus 3 compatible
- Low latency live usage
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Bark Filter - Critical Band Analyser/Filter/Compressor The multi band filter in Bark takes the approach to match the reception characteristic of the gate where all sounds must pass through: the human ear. The ear behaves as if it contains a bank of filters, each filter passing frequencies within their respective critical band. Two tones apart more than the frequency dependant critical bandwidth are perceived as separate tones. For this reason Bark contains a filter bank with 27 very steep bandpass filters matching the critical bandwidth characteristic of the human ear. In fact, the human ear have also its own built in multi band compression system which are based on the critical bands. Why the name Bark ? The Bark scale is a frequency scale on which equal distances correspond with perceptually equal distances. Above about 500 Hz this scale is more or less equal to a logarithmic frequency axis. Below 500 Hz the Bark scale becomes more and more linear. Multiband compressors can act differently on different frequency bands. The advantage of multiband compression over full-bandwidth compression is that unneeded audible gain changes or "pumping" in other frequency bands is not caused by changing signal levels in a single frequency band. Bark can act both as single band compressor and with up to 27 bands in multiband mode by linking critical bands. The linear phase filter bank with its steep filter slopes can be used for unusually pronounced filter effects too... Features: • Multi band dynamic range compressor with up to 27 bands • Variable number of compressor bands (1..27) • Threshold/Ratio Attack/Release and Makeup Gain • Linear phase precision filters for maximal transparency • Real time pre/post processing calibrated spectrum analyser • AudioUnit for AUv3 compatible hosts. • Inter-app audio compatible effect. • Audiobus 3 compatible with state saving. • Low latency live usage with mic and headphones. • Audio recorder
PSA1000
This audio plugin emulates a classic '90s analog guitar preamp, offering rich saturation for various instruments and mix processing. It features independent channel controls, stereo widening, and phase manipulation for modern versatility.
- Analog saturation emulation
- Independent left/right channel controls
- Dry/Wet mix knob
- Mid/Side processing
- Stereo widening circuit
- Phase Reverse switch
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The PSA1000 Analog Saturation Unit plugin is a modern recreation of a '90s classic analog guitar preamp which is used in recording studios all around the world! It is used and "abused" for recording and characterizing not only guitars but also electric pianos, organs, synthesizers, electric basses and many other instruments. The original unit has found its place even in the mix stage for processing all type of sounds, as drum rooms, percussions, vocals, kicks, snares and sound fx too! For creating the PSA1000 Analog Saturation Unit plugin, Nembrini Audio has carefully modeled the original analog circuits and finely refined it by ear as all its products. Nembrini Audio also adds new features that brings the PSA1000 Analog Saturation Unit plugin to modern days: - Independent controls for left and right channels with individual and global links - Dry/Wet mix knob for both channels - Mid/Side operation - Spread circuit to widen the stereo field - Analog Link circuit to simulate the difference between left and right channels as in real analog world - Phase Reverse switch to take advantage of the original phase changes in the real analog unit when used in parallel - In and Out level knobs for maximum versatility Works as a standalone app, AudioUnit v3 effect, or Inter-App Audio effect
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: PSA1000 at 100% against Bark Filter's 72%. PSA1000 also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.8). Bark Filter's advantage is price ($3.99 vs $9.99) and update cadence (every 3 months vs every 9 months). On ratings volume, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Bark Filter costs $3.99 and PSA1000 $9.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
PSA1000 holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 29 and 10 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 72% of Bark Filter's written reviews are positive against 100% of PSA1000's.
Bark Filter ships an update every 3 months, PSA1000 every 9 months. Both last shipped on September 11, 2026.
| Parameter | Bark Filter | PSA1000 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3.99 — better | $9.99 |
| Rating | 4.8 (29 ratings) | 5.0 (10 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 72.2% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 29 — better | 10 |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months — better | Every 9 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 | 11.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 17 MB | 18 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Harry Gohs | Nembrini Audio |
Customer experience
Bark Filter
PSA1000
In-app purchases
Bark Filter
No in-app purchases
PSA1000
No in-app purchases









